I was completely shocked to discover that the 'Oman' journal was empty! I spent quite a bit of time writing an Oman update while in Bahrain, but I have no idea what happened to it. So I will try to remember a few highlights. Oman: It's quite a nice place! It's located on the eastern tip of the Saudi Arabian peninsula. Very hot. Did I mention the heat? I have never sweat so much in my life. Anyway... The first few days we spent time together talking out some of our issues and deciding how to spend our time there. For most of our second day we sang a lot and prayed for the country. We went to the beach for the first time after two days of talking and trying to work out our differences. Let me say it was such a wonderful gift to just float in the water and watch the stars appear. I kept thinking of so many people who deserve to do just that instead of me. We saw such hard workers in India, too, who could use a nice a float in the gulf. May each one of you receive a time of refreshment, too.
A couple of times we went into the Grand Mosque and prayed. We girls wore our long sleeves and loose clothes and scarves over our heads. It was a new experience for me, but they said I looked the part! It was very beautiful inside. We walked around and thought about everything that is True. I really wanted to sing a song in there, but they said they'd rawther we didn't. (like Eloise eh, Mom!) Another day we did a prayer walk in and around this stadium. I felt compelled to pour some water on the starting line and pray for God to water the ground, rise up new 'runners' in the great race.
One thing that I really valued was just learning about this country and part of the world. The father of the family we stayed with drove us around Muscat for an afternoon, took us to the to of the Green Mountain another day, and out sailing and snorkeling over this sunken wreck just before we left Oman. We all took turns sitting in the front seat so we could talk to him and flood him with questions! He is very knowledgable, having lived here for
more than ten years.
We had some good experiences praying and meeting people, including a couple of women in the souk who invited us to their house. One of the girls painted my hands and feet with henna. I took plenty of pictures so when I get a chance, I'll post those along with the rest. It was amazing to actually have conversation with the women behind the abaya. This black garment that shrounds their frame is only a facade. Under the black material are women with colorful clothes and spirits to match. That goes for these women and the ones we met in Jordan. We've heard stories about life in Saudi, and I wonder if those women are the same... more on that in my Jordan journal.
A few times we met with some of the Chineese ex-pats here. Some of our group met with the men one night and nine of them decided to live their lives for the Lord. I met with the women a couple of times. We did one of our dramas for them each time and one of us would talk a bit about our life of walking with the Lord. Then we'd just sit and chat with them. They were so beautiful, asking so many questions and seeking the peace Jesus gives with their whole hearts.
It was frustrating at times, just trying to figure out how to function, what to say, how to dress, what is my role as a female. Each day I stepped out the door into extreme heat, with confusion in my mind. While I remember those times, I am also mindful of the postive experiences, like the one's I've described here. I want to remember the good and the bad so that I can have a balanced account of this experience and learn from each aspect.
Sorry this is such a lengthy journal...we were in Oman for three weeks. I think it was June 3-June 24 or so. There is so much more to say. I've probably taken about a thousand pictures, not exaggerating, so it'll take me some time to sort them out and post a few. Thank you so much to those who have read these journals and either signed the guestbook or sent me an email. It is unexplainably good to read your words.
We all have a wonderful God and Savior. He is the solid rock to stand on.
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